What does latchet mean?
A latchet is a narrow strap, thong, or lace used to fasten a shoe or sandal. Its traditional practical purpose was to hold footwear securely when the wearer had to move over snow, ice, or uneven ground, although modern references also use the word more generally for a shoe fastening. The term is uncommon in everyday English and tends to appear in descriptions of traditional or winter footwear, as well as in historical writing. In ordinary use, “latchet” denotes the flexible fastening itself rather than the shoe, and it is therefore distinct from a buckle, clasp, or mechanical latch, even though all may participate in securing footwear. Knowing the word is useful when reading older accounts of travel and winter sports, where it names a small but important piece of equipment with a clear function: keeping the foot from slipping out of the shoe.
nounA narrow strap, thong, or lace used to fasten a shoe or sandal, especially to secure the foot when walking on snow or ice.
- A narrow strap, thong, or lace for fastening a shoe or sandal, traditionally used to secure the foot when walking on snow, ice, or uneven ground.
"He tightened the latchet before crossing the icy path."
"He pulled the latchet tight before setting out in the snow."
"The museum label explained that the reconstruction included a leather latchet for fastening the sandal."
The plural is used when referring to multiple individual straps or footwear fastenings.
"The guide checked the latchets on the hikers' boots."
A latchet is not a tiny latch: it is the strap that keeps your foot from slipping out of the shoe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does latchet come from?
The word comes from Middle English latchet, borrowed from Old French lacet, a diminutive of laz meaning “lace” or “strap.” Old French laz ultimately came from Latin laqueus, meaning “noose” or “snare,” a word also ancestral to English lace and, through Spanish, lasso. The English spelling lacet survives as an older variant and cognate of latchet.
How latchet is actually used
The word is uncommon in everyday English and is chiefly found in descriptions of traditional or winter footwear, specialist equipment, and historical writing. It denotes the fastening itself rather than a mechanical latch.
Easily confused with latchet
A latch is a hinged or movable fastening device, whereas a latchet is a flexible strap or thong used to secure footwear.